Course Overview
Tongdosa is one of Korea's three greatest temples, nestled at the foot of Yeongchuksan Mountain. Its 370-year-old Jajang-mae red plum tree is among the earliest spring heralds on the Korean Peninsula, blooming from late February.
This 22 km drive starts from Yangsan city center and follows Yeongchuksan-ro to Tongdosa, passing through Mupunghansong-ro, the temple's famed pine forest path.
Section Highlights
Section 1: Yangsan City to Yeongchuksan Entrance (approx. 12 km)
Leaving the city toward Tongdosa, crossing tributaries of the Nakdonggang River as the mountain landscape deepens.
Section 2: Yeongchuksan Entrance to Tongdosa (approx. 10 km)
The highlight is Mupunghansong-ro, a 2 km pine tree tunnel approach to the temple. Centuries-old pines form a canopy overhead, beautiful in every season.
Driving Tips
- Jajang-mae blooms from late February to early March (Korea's earliest plum blossoms)
- Temple admission is free; parking fee applies separately
- The pine forest path is worth walking on foot
- Consider touring Tongdosa's 14 hermitages